Researchers have formally described a new genus and species of ichthyosaur, Fernatator prenticei, based on a fossil discovered in 1916. The specimen, cataloged as CMNFV 40398, was found by Tom Prentice near Fernie, British Columbia, Canada. It has been housed in the Canadian Museum of Nature's collections for over a century. The fossil is notable for being the most complete ichthyosaur skeleton from the Early Jurassic period in North America.
Ichthyosaurs were marine reptiles that resembled dolphins and dominated ancient oceans from the Early Triassic to the Late Cretaceous periods. The Fernatator prenticei fossil provides valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of these creatures during a pivotal time in Earth's history. The formal description of this ichthyosaur underscores the importance of museum collections and ongoing research in uncovering Earth's ancient past.
The study detailing this discovery was published in the peer-reviewed journal Paludicola in June 2025. The research team included Dr. Judy A. Massare from the SUNY College at Brockport, New York, and Dr. Jordan Mallon, a paleontologist at the Canadian Museum of Nature. The species name honors Tom Prentice, the local man who discovered the fossil in 1916 while fishing in the Elk River near Morrissey, British Columbia.
This discovery adds to the remarkably sparse record of Early Jurassic ichthyosaurs in North America and highlights the significance of museum collections in preserving and studying ancient life forms.